Kathy Mueller-County Fair Charity Fundraiser Poster

At Design Interviews

Interview with Kathy Mueller : Frank Scott: What are your future plans for this award winning design?. Kathy Mueller : I have an on going relationship with the client, and we are currently brainstorming for the 2016 campaign. It will be the third year they commissioned me for their annual campaign. .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. Kathy Mueller : Cocktails Against Cancer is a charitable organization. They commissioned me for a special event branding campaign for their annual charity benefit. The 2015 theme was county fair and the campaign consisted of poster, flyer, press kit, email marketing, webpage and social media tactics. In addition, signage and event program booklet were produced for the event. .Frank Scott: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?. Kathy Mueller : Historical ephemera and examples of vernacular design often inform my work, and the “County Fair” campaign is a prime example.
For the design, visual research was conducted on vintage bandanas, specifically those made by The Elephant Brand. Bandanas originate in India, but in the 1900&#039;s The Elephant Brand in New York City reimagined it. The designs, colors, and prints have since become a staple of Americana.
For the typography, research was conducted on another symbol of Americana: wood type broadsides posters. I was inspired by the work of historic type foundries and printing presses such as Hamilton Wood Type in Wisconsin and Hatch Show Print in Tennessee. .Frank Scott: What is the most unique aspect of your design?. Kathy Mueller : The design references a vintage indigo bandana, but I customized it for the cancer fighting cause by incorporating the symbol of the awareness ribbon into the print.
.Frank Scott: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?. Kathy Mueller : Christopher Romano, a true craftsman, hand pulled each beautiful silkscreen print. Atmosphere Printing Company generously donated the printing to Cocktails Against Cancer. .